Was it even a trip to New York City if you didn’t snap it, ‘gram it, and show all your friends back home that you were here living your best holiday life?
But seriously, for all the guff life chronicled on social media gets, there is something to be said for having a digital scrapbook of your most special moments. And one thing’s for sure—New York City creates special moments with a spectacular backdrop worthy of capturing on film.
And if you’re looking to capture a moment that’s pure New York, nothing says I made it here quite like a Broadway marquee lighting up the night. After all, a trip to the city isn’t complete without a little stage-door sparkle.
Here are a few spots where you can strike a pose and frame your own Broadway story—one snap at a time.
Start the day with a bagel and a cup of coffee. On Fifth Avenue. In front of Tiffany & Co. Sunglasses on—you’re Holly Golightly, and you’re having breakfast at Tiffany’s.
During the holidays, Fifth Avenue is decked out with lights, larger-than-life decorations and seasonal statues in the plazas, and world-famous department store window displays. Grab a few snaps as you work your way down the avenue towards Rockefeller Center.
You may have to hand your phone to someone a few steps back—it’s nearly impossible to fit the entire 75-foot Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in one selfie.
From here, head on over to the center of the universe. Our universe at least…Times Square, where Seventh Avenue and Broadway intersect, right in the heart of the Theatre District.
Cop a squat on the TKTS Steps, a large, ruby-red, glass staircase located on the north end of Times Square. No flash is required for a selfie here, what with all the neon lights, flashing marquees, and billboard screens framing the plaza.
Now you’re off to your show. Take in the architecture of the historic theatres as you pass by. The Lyceum Theatre (currently home to the raucous comedy Oh! Mary) is a stunner. Built in 1903 in the Beaux-Arts style, its ornate stonework and elegant vertical marquee make for a classic Broadway shot worthy of your feed.
Don’t stop at just one—each theatre has its own personality. The façade of the Shubert (home to the Alicia Keys musical Hell’s Kitchen) is a picture-perfect mix of old-world charm and Broadway glitz: carved details, golden lettering, and a marquee stretching over the sidewalk like it’s inviting you in. Opened in 1913, it’s part of the Shubert Organization’s legacy, the company that helped shape Broadway as we know it today.
Once you make it to your theatre, grab a photo under that Broadway marquee, boasting the title of the show you’ll see.
Many theatres line their doors with posters and artwork of the shows. Don’t throw away your shot in front of the Hamilton silhouettes on the Richard Rodgers Theatre. (Come on…it was right there. Of course, we were going to say it.)
Arrive early for your show to explore the theatre lobby. Some will be steeped in history, with vintage photos and ornate details, while others are full of current show flair. The producers of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child had you in mind when they were transforming the lobby of the Lyric Theatre. Wear your colors to the show for a photo in front of your house banner. Draw your wand and turn on the boomerang effect for an action shot in the Patronus Room.
Once seated, hold up that Playbill like a trophy. Frame it in front of you with the stage in the background. It’s the ultimate “I’m at Broadway” shot. Share it with #tonightsbill.
[Media Break. No photography or video recording is allowed during the show, so turn that phone off and put it away!]
Following the curtain call, gather with other fans at the stage door. If you’re lucky, the show’s star will sign autographs and maybe even pose for selfies. It’s not guaranteed—some stars elect not to stage door due to health or safety concerns, but if they do, be patient and polite. But honestly, can you imagine the likes on a post with you and say…Jonathan Groff, star of the Bobby Darin musical Just In Time. Your friends will lay down and die.
The holidays are all about indulgence, so treat yourself to a post-show slice of New York cheesecake. *Click* Your camera (and taste buds) will thank you.
Head back to the heart of Times Square and look up—you’ll spot the Times Square Ball, all glammed up and ready for her close-up. Year-round, she perches atop One Times Square, 26 stories high, patiently waiting for her big moment on New Year’s Eve. Snap it from below, and you’ve got the perfect finale to your Broadway holiday adventure.
Did you catch all those name drops? The shows and more are part of the Broadway Collection, a curated list of Broadway’s best chosen with your visit in mind. Look around the Broadway Collection website for detailed information on each show’s dedicated page, including links to the show’s official ticketing sites, so all purchases are safe and guaranteed.
And make sure you tag us in your photos. We can’t wait to join you on Broadway!